FAQs · Destination Guide
Big-animal drifts, manta cleanings, and cliff-top views a fast boat from Bali
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 9 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
Mantas are present year-round at cleaning stations like Manta Point and Manta Bay. Access depends on sea state rather than a strict season. Your best odds come on calm mornings with smaller swell, which are more common Apr-Nov. In rough trade-wind or swell periods, boats pivot to north-coast bays where snorkeling and diving continue. Regardless of month, follow the manta code of conduct: enter quietly, keep at least 3 m away, never enter cleaning stations, and avoid flash photography.
Ocean sunfish are most reliable Jul-Oct and can extend into Nov when upwellings cool water to 18°C or below. Typical encounters occur at 20 m-30 m around cleaning stations near Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh. Advanced Open Water and recent drift experience are strongly recommended. Wear extra thermal protection and follow the sunfish code of conduct: keep distance, do not block the fish, and let it approach the cleaners undisturbed.
Fly into DPS near Denpasar, then transfer 14 km to Sanur fast-boat piers. Boats run throughout the day in good weather, with about 30 km of open-water crossing to Penida. In swell or on holy days, services may reduce or pause, so aim for morning departures and keep a buffer day. Private cars, taxis, and hotel shuttles serve DPS-Sanur; pre-book in peak months.
For exposed sites like Crystal Bay, Blue Corner, and the Ceningan Channel, AOW+ and recent drift experience are recommended. You must be comfortable with negative entries, staying close to terrain in current, signaling with an SMB, and blue-water pickups. Easier drifts exist on the north coast in mild tides, so mixed-experience groups can still dive if operators choose appropriate sites. If conditions spike, expect plans to change or cancellations for safety.
Water ranges from about 26°C-29°C in warm months to 16°C-23°C in upwelling season. Most divers are happy in a 3-5 mm suit year-round, adding a hooded vest Jul-Oct when thermoclines are common. Snorkelers should bring a shorty or rashguard for sun and wind chill on boats.
Yes. Bali levies a provincial tourist levy payable online before or on arrival. The Nusa islands collect a local retribution at harbor entry. For water activities inside the MPA, there is a daily marine fee for snorkeling and diving that operators typically include or collect in cash. Keep tickets and payment confirmations, as checks happen at piers and viewpoints.
It can be, but only with conservative site choice and reputable operators. Beginners should avoid exposed corners and focus on calmer bays like the north coast and Mangrove Point on Lembongan. Always request a safety-focused briefing that covers current, boat traffic, and manta etiquette. If sea state worsens, skip the session or move to protected sites. Your guide's willingness to cancel is a strong safety signal.
Expect swift drifts, occasional downcurrents near channel mouths, surge on south-facing sites, and heavy boat traffic at popular bays. Procedures include negative entries, staying streamlined, close proximity to terrain when needed, and SMB deployment for any open-water ascent. Thermal swings can be sharp in mola season, so dress warmly. If swell closes the south coast, operators will cancel or redirect.
No. App-based ride services generally do not operate on Penida. Most visitors either rent scooters only if confident riders or hire a local driver by half or full day. Roads can be steep and patched with gravel, so plan conservative times and avoid night riding. Book drivers through your accommodation or dive center during busy weeks.
Freedive Nusa on Penida and Blue Corner Freedive on Lembongan are well-known for courses and coaching. They schedule lines and manta sessions for calmer windows, emphasize boat awareness, and brief code-of-conduct for wildlife. Book ahead in peak months and request early sessions for lighter winds and current.